Legal Battle Brews Between Mahindra and IndiGo Over ‘6E’ Trademark

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 15:53:51 +0000

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has opted to rename its upcoming electric SUV from BE 6e to BE 6 amid an ongoing trademark dispute with InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of IndiGo Airlines. The conflict revolves around IndiGo’s claim that the trademark 6E, central to its brand identity, is being infringed upon by Mahindra’s use of the name BE 6e.

Mahindra’s Position

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mahindra clarified that its trademark BE 6e differs significantly from IndiGo’s 6E. The company argued that:

The full name, BE 6e, is distinct and unlikely to cause confusion.
It belongs to a completely different industry and product category, namely automotive rather than aviation.
The designs and applications are fundamentally unrelated.

Despite these assertions, Mahindra has temporarily renamed the SUV BE 6 to avoid escalation while the matter is sub judice.

IndiGo’s Claim

On December 3, 2024, InterGlobe Aviation filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Mahindra Electric Automobile, alleging that any use of 6E—either as part of a name or independently—violates IndiGo’s trademark rights. IndiGo emphasized that:

6E has been integral to its identity for the past 18 years and enjoys global recognition.
Any unauthorized usage could harm the airline’s reputation and goodwill.

IndiGo vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its intellectual property and brand.

Broader Trademark Tensions

Interestingly, IndiGo itself has faced trademark disputes in the past. Tata Motors objected to InterGlobe’s use of the name “IndiGo,” citing its sedan model, Indigo, launched in 2002—four years before IndiGo Airlines’ first flight.

Mahindra’s Perspective

Mahindra expressed disappointment over the dispute, calling it an unnecessary distraction between two prominent Indian companies. “We believe Indian brands should support each other’s success. To avoid further conflict, we have decided to name our product BE 6,” the company said.

Background and Next Steps

Mahindra unveiled its first “electric origin” SUVs, BE 6e and XEV 9e, on November 26. The trademark registrar had approved Mahindra’s application to register BE 6e just a day prior, on November 25. Should Mahindra successfully register the name in the future, it would secure the exclusive right to use BE 6e.

The Delhi High Court will hear the case on Monday, December 9, potentially setting a precedent in how cross-industry trademark conflicts are handled.